The 56-year-old drew widespread criticism after the photo -- shot by famed photographer Tyler Shields who is best known for his highly sexualised and edgy work -- was leaked to TMZ.

In a video message posted to Twitter, Kathy admitted she went "way too far" and begged the public for their forgiveness.

"The image is too disturbing," she said. "I understand how it offends people, it wasn't funny -- I get it. I've made a lot of mistakes in my career, I will continue."

She explained that she had taken down the image, and had asked the photographer to do the same. "I made a mistake, I was wrong," she signed off.

It comes after many high profile faces on both sides of the political fence denounced the image for its blatant display of violence against the president.

"This is vile and wrong," former first daughter Chelsea Clinton tweeted. "It is never funny to joke about killing a president."

According to TMZ, while on the photo shoot Kathy joked about having to move to Mexico for fear of being "thrown in prison".

Under US law, threatening the president is an offence punishable with up to five years' in prison and includes "any threat to take the life of, to kidnap, or to inflict bodily harm upon the President of the United States".

Actress Alyssa Milano also condemned the image.

".@kathygriffin I'm sorry but that is totally inappropriate and so very offensive," the 44-year-old Who's the Boss? star wrote. "And I have to believe you're smart enough to know better."

Another commentator tweeted, "You clearly illustrated the hate, bigotry and vitriol thrown at anyone who dares to have different political views from yours."

In a since deleted post on Instagram, Kathy attempted to explain exactly what she was trying to achieve with the shocking pic.

"Here's my artsy fartsy statement!" she wrote in the caption. "I'm mocking the guy who mocks everybody. EVERYBODY (well, not the Russians so much) Anywhoo…"

She went on to reveal the title of her work: "There was blood coming out of his eyes, blood coming out of his...WHEREVER."

Before signing off with the disclaimer: "OBVIOUSLY… do not condone or encourage any of my fans / followers or ANYONE to cause harm to ANYONE. Verbally or otherwise. KG."